a blog about everything related to youth raising French angora rabbits

Black Diamond Kits

Sage's Kits, Nine Weeks Old

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

The Differences Between ARBA and 4-H Shows

What is the difference between ARBA shows and 4-H shows? There are actually some significant differences. I'd love for my readers, especially the youth, to understand so that they are more prepared for their first shows.

For example, 4-H shows are almost always smaller, with far fewer people and rabbits. One will not find vendors selling cages and other products at 4-H shows. Sometimes they are limited to just 4-H members; other shows invite the community--including adults--to participate. Though it seems like adults would not enter a 4-H show, sometimes these shows are a good way to help get started because they are less chaotic.

In addition, 4-H shows usually include three classes that ARBA shows do not. These are the cross breeds, DQs (rabbits disqualified permanently or temporarily for color, weight, congenital defects), and pet classes. Not only are these classes judged first, at least here in Northern Nevada, but the prizes are usually pretty cool!

At 4-H shows, we learn more about the health of rabbits in general, entrepreneurship, and record-keeping. At ARBA shows, I learn specifically about improving French angoras.

ARBA shows have nice prizes for Best in Show and Reserve in Show. For 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the breeds they usually have cheapie ribbons. On the other hand, 4-H often have nicer ribbons and nice prizes for Best in Show.

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If you are interested in a rabbit or if you have questions, drop us a line at blackdiamondbunnies@gmail.com.

Please, please, please email us with questions, or post them on the blog. We really want to be sure our rabbits are going to good homes with responsible owners ready to care for them. While all of our customers thus far have been very nice people who we have every confidence are providing the best of care for their rabbits, we have had some concerns with individuals who have expressed interest in our rabbits. If we are not completely comfortable with an individual, we will not sell you a rabbit. That's just the way it is. One excellent way for us to become comfortable with you and with your level of preparation is for you to ask questions. What we really do not want to see is someone who emails and says, "I'm ready for my rabbit now. When can I come by?"

If you wish to speak with us in person, we'll be happy to give you a call, or provide our phone number through an email. We're sorry, but because this is the Internet, and because we have young women involved, we can't post our phone number or physical address online. We live about 20 minutes north of the 395/Interstate 80 junction in Reno.

1970's Soviet Propaganda Poster, Rabbit Style

This photo graced the top of the blog for several months. Why do I call it a Soviet propaganda poster? Because it looks just like one. (I got my degree in Russian in 1987. I got to see a whole lot of Soviet propaganda posters in the course of my studies.) Anyway, it's classic Soviet propaganda. There is almost always a lighter individual, centered and higher than the darker individuals who are flanking and lower. The lighter individual looks up and to the side, into the light. The sun's rays smile down, indicating a bright future. We could never have gotten this pose in a million years if we'd been trying.